Bear Mountain Inn + Barn

We couldn't have picked a better place for our wedding on October 30th. Cassie, Brian & Julie are just amazing and went above and beyond to make our weekend one for the books. The place is absolutely stunning and the barn was the perfect setting for our woodsy-chic wedding. The weather didn't cooperate on the day of but didn't even notice. Our guests raved about BMI and Brian and Julie's hospitality all weekend (especially the cozy and delicious daily breakfast). Cassie made sure we didn't have to think about a single detail and kept everything running perfectly smoothly. She even found my phone in the rain!

Thank you all for making our wedding weekend so special. We'll be back for a weekend away!!

I wish I could give Bear Mountain Inn ten stars. This was truly a dream venue for my husband and I. The rustic barn, picturesque lake, and beautiful Maine woods was everything that we were looking for. But beyond that, what truly makes this place special, is the staff. From day one of the wedding process, my husband and I lived by the mantra "choose people you want to work with"
and we certainly did that here. Brian and Julie, the owners, made us feel right at home from our very first visit and were present throughout our whole wedding weekend making sure everything went according to plan. And Cassie, the wedding coordinator, is one of a kind. She answered every question we had quickly and informatively and was the best quick thinking, problem solving person by our side on our wedding day. I can't say enough good things about this place and it's staff. If you are looking for a Maine wedding venue with woods, water, and incredible staff, look no further. Can't wait to go back every year and relive the memories!

Our family attended our son’s wedding earlier this month at the Bear Mountain Inn in Waterford, Maine, and we can’t begin to say enough great things about the accommodations; the venue, facilities, and grounds; and the warm hospitality shown us by Julie and Brian, Josh, and the rest of the staff at the Inn.

The historic Inn and expansive grounds are absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect place for a picture perfect wedding. While the setting is idyllic, quiet, and peaceful (we could hear the loons on the lake from our rooms), there was also much for us to do — walking trails along the lake and through the woods; canoes and kayaks to use on the lake; fire pits for guests to sit and linger, relax, and visit. There were even lawn games! It all made the long weekend as much a vacation getaway as it was an event.

The rooms at the Inn were first rate - quiet, comfortable, beautifully updated and stylishly appointed. Each is different, but all have retained their historic New England charm with all the modern comforts. Spacious, gorgeous bathrooms, modern (quiet!) heating/ac, gas fireplaces, refrigerators, luxury bedding and towels. The little details throughout the Inn were nice as well — charming common areas stocked with water and other helpful amenities, plus spaces indoors and out for guests to kick back and relax. And the huge, made-from-scratch New England breakfasts really topped off the whole experience.

In these times I also feel it is important to mention how well the staff addressed COVID safety, sanitation, and protection. Everyone was vaccinated (in addition to the wedding party and all guests) and the vendors also wore masks when interacting with the guests. Everything was spotless and well sanitized. With breezes off the lake and an abundance of fresh air, the outdoor spaces afforded plenty of room for anyone who wanted to maintain a little more distance. Likewise, indoor spaces were roomy and never felt crowded. Our family is quite careful and we felt very safe - almost like a little respite from the pandemic.

Our son reports that the Inn facilitated and coordinated every aspect of the rehearsal, ceremony and reception (basically like having an on-site wedding planner), and that he and his new wife were completely satisfied. Other reviewers seem to concur..

The barn itself was wonderful — "rustic but elegant," and the attached pub/bar area provided all the additional facilities needed for an event (great bar area, prep kitchen, attractive restrooms, etc). The existing decor, including the amazing chandeliers, would have been enough without any extras, though there are some great optional items to use if desired (our son and daughter-in-law opted to have Josh hang a couple of the striking sheer draperies). Josh did an outstanding job personally directing every detail of the rehearsal, ceremony, and reception - where to walk and when, what to expect throughout - and it all went like clockwork. We had a lakeside ceremony with perfect weather, but no doubt Josh would have had us swiftly under cover if needed.

The Bear Mountain Inn really is a wonderful place for any kind of getaway. For us, as the parents of the groom and guests at the wedding, we can’t imagine that a couple could find a better place to get married and host their friends and family. Julie and Brian have created a truly magical place.